Communicating with the iGeneration

Doug TschoppApril 2013

Overview

The Past

What is a Generation?

What is new?

iGeneration

A look to the past

Baby Boomer Generation 1946-1964

Generation X 1965-1982

Millennials 1982-2003

iGeneration 2003+

Baby Boomer Generation

Optimistic

Idealist

Communicative

Value good education

Generation X

Influenced by technology

Desire instant gratification

Value family

Flexible

Millennials

Diverse

Redefined tradition and religion

Influenced by the recession

Desire immediate gratification

Strauss–Howe Generational Theory

 Location in history

 Beliefs and behaviors

 Perceived membership 

What defines a generation?

Family Life Gender Roles Important Institutions Politics Religion Culture Lifestyle Views on the Future

(Howe and Strauss 2000)

New Generational Trends

Generations are becoming shorter

Why?

A New Mindset

They have always lived in cyberspace, addicted to a new generation of “electronic narcotics.”

They can’t picture people actually carrying luggage through airports rather than rolling it.

Michael Jackson’s family, not the Kennedys, constitutes “American Royalty.”

A New Mindset

Probably the most tribal generation in history, they despise being separated from contact with their similar-aged friends. 

They watch television everywhere but on a television

Before they purchase an assigned textbook, they will investigate whether it is available for rent or purchase as an e-book.

iGeneration

Who They Are

How They Communicate

What the Future May Hold

The iGeneration

Who are they?

What does the “I” represent”?

Quick Facts

Internet-savvy

Comfortable with technology

Great multi-taskers or task switchers Favor individualization and all things

customized

iGens

Of interest Nielsen Company (Educational Leadership 2011)

▪ The average teenager sends 3,399 texts a month

▪ 6 messages every hour that he or she is not sleeping

iGeneration

Of interest Rewired: Understanding iGeneration and

How They Learn

▪ 35% of children ages 6mo to 3 years have TV in their room▪ 10% of children ages 4-8 have a computer in

their bedroom▪ 51% of children ages 9-12 have cell phone

Decision Makers

iGens hold more shopping power

Spending $239 billon annually

Influential in family purchases

Rely on parents for money

iGens

“WWW”

▪ Whatever

▪ Whenever

▪ Where ever

Defining Characteristics

Rewired: Understanding iGeneration and How They Learn

Early introduction to technology Adeptness at multitasking or switching

tasks Desire for immediacy Ability to use technology to create a vast

array of content

Defining Characteristics

Fears

Not getting good grades

Not having enough money

Appearance

Hopes

Become a millionaire

Have positive impact on society

A+ A+ A+ A+A+ A+

The Rise of the Mobile Device 37% of teens in the

U.S. have a smartphone.

25% of those aged 12-17 access the Internet "primarily" via a cell phone or smartphone.

Among teens with a smartphone, however, 50% access the Internet primarily via the mobile device.

Girls are more likely than boys to rely on their smartphone as their primary Internet access device.

What devices do they have?

iGens and Communication

Pew Internet Teens and Privacy Management Survey July 26-September

30, 2012

What are they doing online?

Pew Internet and American Life Project 2011

Use social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter

Use video chat resources such as Skype or iChat

Record and upload videos

What’s Next?

Teaching the iGens

Use technology to convey content

Utilize video outside of class

Free up time to analyze, synthesize and assimilate material

What the Future May Hold

Are we out of step?

Conversation

Questions?